Adjustable modular partition system

ABSTRACT

An adjustable modular partition including at least three layers of interconnected fire-resistant and sound-deadening material with adjusting means located thereon to adjust the vertical height of the partition module to accommodate various vertical dimensional differences in a room. Each module is provided with means for interconnection with an adjacent module with similar adjusting structure to accommodate vertical variations and dimensions. The structure for interconnecting adjacent modules and the respective adjusting structure also has sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities to maintain the integrity of the partition system. Minimal connecting apparatus is required to install the partition in fixed position within a room. The adjustable structure includes a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of the partition. A W-shaped channel is provided and is adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the partition therein. Vertical variation structure is provided in at least one of the U-shaped channel and the W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the partition in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling.

United States Patent Guarino et al.

Dec. 9, 1975 [75] Inventors: Michael C. Guarino, Rumson; Frank Cacossa, Livingston, both of NJ.

[73] Assignee: M. C. Guarino Associates, Inc.,

Belleville, NJ.

[22] Filed: Aug. 24, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 391,307

k Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 327,609, Jan. 26,

1973, Pat. No. 3,866,370.

[52] U.S. Cl. 52/122; 52/220; 52/241 [51] Int. Cl. E04B 2/82 [58] Field of Search 52/241, 238, 615, 309, 52/122, 220, 623, 627

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,021,375 11/1935 Peelle 52/627 2,618,028 11/1952 Baker 52/241 X 2,947,041 8/1960 lmbrecht..... 52/241 X 3,093,218 6/1963 Peterson 52/220 X 3,189,135 6/1965 Slowinski.... 52/241 3,289,368 12/1966 Mark 52/220 3,415,026 12/1968 Tillisch et a1. 52/241 X 3,512,819 5/1970 Morgan et al. 52/586 X 3,553,921 1/1971 Breistein 52/615 X 3,775,920 12/1973 Schneller 52/627 Primary ExaminerPrice C. Faw, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmKane, Dalsimer, Kane, Sullivan and Kurucz [5 7] ABSTRACT An adjustable modular partition including at least three layers of interconnected fire-resistant and sound-deadening material with adjusting means located thereon to adjust the vertical height of the partition module to accommodate various vertical dimensional differences in a room. Each module is provided with means for interconnection with an adjacent module with similar adjusting structure to accommodate vertical variations and dimensions. The structure for interconnecting adjacent modules and the respective adjusting structure also has sound-deadening and fireresistant qualities to maintain the integrity of the partition system. Minimal connecting apparatus is required to install the partition in fixed position within a room. The adjustable structure includes a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of the partition. A W-shaped channel is provided and is adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the partition therein. Vertical variation structure is provided in at least one of the U- shaped channel and the W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the partition in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling.

10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Sheet 2 of 5 3,924,369

US. Patent De c. 9 1975 US. Patent Dec. 9 1975 Sheet 3 of5 3,924,369

US. Patent Dec. 9 1975 Sheet 5 of5 3,924,369

FIG. 5

ADJUSTABLE MODULAR PARTITION SYSTEM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of our earlier filed application Ser. No. 327,609 filed on Jan. 26th, 1973, now US. Pat. No. 3,866,370 for Adjustable Modular Partition, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present system incorporates various modifications in the system as described in the above referenced previously filed application. The system is directed toward a structure in which the vertical dimension is adjustable and variable thus making installation possible without the necessity of cutting or other on-site adjustments. A minimal amount of hardware is required for connection between modules on the floor and the ceiling. Sound transmission class and fire endurance rating of the system is at an optimum level. Assembly and disassembly of the partition system is such that a versatile and low cost modular partition system is provided which can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled.

The system as described above and in our previously filed application clearly defines advantageous systems over those presently available. Further modifications are incorporated in the present structure which also increase the ease of assembly and disassembly without having a deleterious effect on the sound and fire resistance ability of the modules and retaining the low cost features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With the above background in mind, it is among the primary objectives of the present invention to provide an adjustment mechanism which decreases the time required for assembly and which permits assembly of the partitioning system with a minimal amount of attachment hardware. Additionally, the internal components of the layered partition add to the simplicity of construction while retaining the desired fire and sound ratings. A connection arrangement between modules is provided which facilitates quick assembly as does the adjusting and mounting means for the panels in order to insure proper and fast alignment between modules as a partition is erected.

In summary, a partition system is provided with a module including a combination of layers of different physical properties which cooperate with one another to provide a partition module for connection with other partition modules which have increased fire resistance and sound deadening properties. Each partition includes an inner layer of a first tire resistant and sound deadening material having opposing sides. A second layer of a second fire resistant and sound deadening material is on each side of the first material so that the lirst material is located therebetween. A third layer of a lire-resistant and sound-deadening material is on the side of the second material distal from the first material so that the first and second materials are located therebetween. If desired, a fourth layer may be located on the exterior sides of the third layer. Fastening means are provided to fasten the layers together to form the partition module and adjustable means are provided on the partition module so that when the module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling. The adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and ceiling and floor respectively. The adjustable means includes a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of the layers of partition therein, a W-shaped channel is adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the layers of the partition therein. Vertical or variation means is in at least one of the U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the module in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling.

With the above objectives in mind, reference is had to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modular partition system of the invention mounted within a room;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a partition module of the system;

'FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional elevation view thereof taken along the plane of line 33 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top sectional view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly of a pair of partition modules of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary end view of an alternative embodiment thereof showing a hollow bottom conduit for permitting passage of wires therethrough.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIG. 2, each partition module 20 includes a center core 21 which may be of gypsum or other conventional substitute. Sandwiching core 21 are a pair of opposed fiberglas panels 22 of bonded glass fibers in board form (as shown) each of which has its opposed vertical ends incased in appropriate .l-channels 23. Additionally, naturally any conventional substitute insulating sound deadening material such as rockwool can be used in place of the fiberglass. This is true on every instance where fiberglass is employed in the present system. Any conventional material such as a rigid metal or plastic can be used for the .l-channels. Sandwiching the panels 22 are a pair of outer sideboards 24. Gypsum board or another conventional expedient can be used for forming sideboards 24. Core 21, panels 22 and sideboards 24 can be connected by a conventional type of fastener such as an epoxy resin or by screws or other well known expedients.

A W-channel top cap 25 is provided for communication with the top of the layers of the module. Top cap 25 can be connected to a ceiling in a conventional fashion such as by bolts or screws as shown in FIG. 3 where top cap 25 is mounted to ceiling 26. The top cap is a W- shaped channel 27 of a conventional metal to achieve the proper rigidity. The W-shape forms a pair of spaced chambers 28 which are open upward and a center chamber 29 which is open in a downward direction. An insulation material such as fiberglas as glass fibers in mat form (as shown) is provided in chambers 28 to insulate the module in an upward direction with respect to the ceiling. The center chamber 29 is adapted to receive an upward projecting portion of core 21 so as to form a channel to capture the layers of the fastened module at their upper ends. Appropriate recesses are provided in the upper surface of the interconnected layers of panel to receive the wall portions of top cap 25 which form chambers 28.

The bottom of the layers of the module are positioned in a U-shaped channel 31 which may be similarly of a conventional metal or plastic material as top cap 25 and which is mounted in a conventional fashion to a floor 32. U-shaped channel 31 includes a longitudinal base 33 and a pair of opposing upstanding sides 34. The layers made up of core 21, panels 22 and sideboards 23, and optionally an outer coating layer 46, are positioned with their lower portions housed within U- shaped channel 31 and the side walls 34 in abutting side-by-side relation thereto. For height adjustment, an appropriate number of shims 35 are positioned on the base 33 of U-shaped channel 31 between the side walls 34 and beneath the bottom extremity of the layers of the module. The number of shims is determined by the difference in ceiling to floor height at a particular location. In this manner, adjustment is accomplished so that the panels are in a proper fitting relationship between the floor and the ceiling without the necessity of any additional hardware. Alternatively or additionally, the shims could be designed to fit in top cap 25 for adjustment purposes.

An alternative embodiment of U-shaped channel 31 is shown as U-shaped channel 31a in FIG. 6. In that embodiment, a divider panel 36 is mounted on a pair of opposing ribs 37 extending from the side walls 34a of channel 31a so as to be vertically intermediate the height of the side walls. Divider 36 is of a strong enough material such as metal or plastic similar to the remainder of the channel to support the partition layers and appropriate shims 35 and acts similarly as base 33 in the previously discussed embodiment. Resultant conduit 38 between base 33 and divider 36 provides a means to transmit wires 39 or other similar materials through the partition. To facilitate mounting of U- channel 31a to the remainderof the partition, a pair of side clips 40 are provided in engagement with side walls 34 so as to assist in supporting the side walls in holding the remainder of the partition in place.

To complete assembly of the modules into a wall structure, several additional elements are employed. A spline 41 is utilized to interconnect the panels in a sideby-side relationship. Each spline 41 is a vertically positioned rectangular shaped piece of material. Gypsum board has been found to work satisfactorily as the spline material. The seam between adjoining modules is covered by an appropriate T-joint 42. When the wall partition ends intermediate the distance the two opposing walls, an appropriate end cap 43 is provided. The end cap may be of a vinyl material on any other well known substitutes.

The modular system of the present invention is useful in forming partitions within an enclosed space as depicted in FIG. 1. Alternatively, it can be used to form closets and storage areas or for forming an interior wall system for a room within a building.

For purposes of discussion in this disclosure, the partition system will be utilized to form a modular partition within a room as depicted in FIG. 1. Each module is formed by adhering the interior layer 21 between the two panels 22. Panels 22 are capped by J-channels to assist in rigidifying and protecting the exposed edges. The core 21 is narrower than the two adjacent panels 22 so that opposed vertical recesses 44 are provided to facilitate interconnection between panels. Each recess 44 is designed to receive a portion of a spline 41. Adhered by an appropriate adhesive to the exposed outer surfaces of panel 22 are the sideboards 24. Dimensionally the sideboards 24 are substantially as wide as the panels 22 with the .I-channels affixed thereto. Panels 22 are vertically shorter than core 21 and sideboards 24 and thereby form the two recesses needed to receive the downwardly extending portions of W-shaped top cap 25. As discussed above, the interconnection between the layers can be achieved by means of an appropriate adhesive or by bolting or screwing the elements together. An example of an appropriate locking screw 45 is depicted in FIG. 4. The screw interconnects an outer shell 46 to sideboards 24 and J-channel 23 attached to panel 22. The outer covering 46 is an op tional plastic coating utilized to enhance the longevity, sound and fire ratings of the module 20. Layer 46 can be plastic or even a paint layer which gives the desired effect and adheres to the outer surface of sideboard 24.

The actual assembly of the partition 47 within room 48, as depicted in FIG. 1, and in greater detail in FIG. 5, includes the following steps. The room includes a floor 33, a ceiling 26 and a pair of opposing walls 48 and 49.

A length of top cap 25 at least as long as one partition module 20 is mounted to the ceiling and in abutting relationship with the top of wall 48. In vertical alignment with this length of top cap 25 is a Ushaped base channel 31. Base channel 31 is mounted to floor 33 and abuts wall 48'. The mounting of the top cap which is basically a W-shaped channel as discussed above and the U-shaped channel is accomplished by means of any conventional expedient such as bolting or screwing the structures to the floor and ceiling in the desired position. The proper height of the partition is then adjusted by means of inserting appropriate shims 35 within the U-channel. A half width spline 41 is then inserted into the appropriate receiving channels in the top cap and U-channel base and is slid into abutment with wall 48'. The interconnected layers of the modules are then inserted as a unit into the top cap and U-channel through the appropriate recesses which mate with the projecting portions of the panel until the half spline is received within an appropriate recess 44 in the module. If desired, the shims 35 may be fixed in position by an appropriate adhesive.

In those instances where the top cap and U-channel correspond in length to a single module, a second U- shaped channel 33 and top cap 25 are then mounted to the floor and ceiling respectively in alignment with the first U-channel 31 and top cap 25. As discussed above, a separate top cap 25 and U-channel 31 can be em ployed for each panel or, alternatively, the top cap and U-channels can be made longer than an individual panel so as to be usable with more than one adjoining panel.

A full size spline 41 is then introduced between the second top cap and U-channe] through the appropriate recesses and is slid into receiving recess 44 in the first panel which is designed to receive a portion of the spline 41.

Another interconnected arrangement of layers to be used for a module is then inserted into the appropriate recesses in the second top cap 25 and U-channel 31 in the same manner as the first panel had been inserted until the leading recess 44 engages with the exposed portion of the full spline 41. However, prior to complete interengagement and mating of the panels, the adjoining edge or seam between the panels is covered by T-joint 42. The base 50 of T-joint 42 forms a vertical strip overlapping the two adjoining end portions of the adjacent panels so as to cover the exposed seam therebetween. Extending into the seam is a projection 51 which is long enough to accommodate the width of the sideboard 24. A tab 52 then extends perpendicular to projection 51 so as to combine with projection 51 and base 50 of T-joint 42 to provide an accommodating recess for the leading edge of sideboard 24. The J-channel 23 and the configuration of panel 22 mate so as to form an indentation 53 which permits tab 52 to extend therein. Once the T-joint is in position, the second group of panels for the second module can be fully inserted into abutment with the receiving surfaces on spline 41, T-joint 42 and the first module 20. In this manner, each adjoining module 20 has its seam covered by a T-joint 42. No spline attachments are needed. The top cap and U-shaped channel act to hold the modules in position along with the opposing walls of the room or the end cap.

Any number of modules 20 can be interconnected in the same sequence to form an entire partition 47 across a room 48 as depicted in FIG. 1. However, if it is desired to end the partition before it has completed an entire wall-to-wall extension within a room, an appropriate end cap 43 can be provided. As discussed above, the end cap 43 can be metal or plastic and is designed to protect the end of the partition from any damage or other deleterious effects. The end cap 43 can be of a threepiece design as depicted in FIG. 4 wherein the two end clips 54 are U-shaped in configuration and designed to cap sideboards 24 and the central clip 55 is of a larger U-shaped configuration so as to encompass spline 41 and two adjacent panels 22 with their J-channels 23 attached. A one-piece end cap 43 can also be readily envisioned to encompass the entire exposed vertical edge of the partition 47. End cap 43 is mounted to the floor and ceiling in a conventional fashion such as by screws or bolts.

It should be kept in mind that appropriate shims35 are applied to each individual module 20 as it is installed so that vertical adjustment can be achieved across the entire width of partition 47. It should also be noted that the alternate form of U-channel 31a can be substituted for channel 31 as desired across the width of partition 47. A module of four layers or three layers can be utilized in the same manner with the same construction steps as discussed above. Of course, the width of the room determines the number and size of panels to be utilized.

Thus, the above discussed objectives of the invention, among others, are effectively attained.

We claim:

1. An adjustable modular partition comprising:

an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides;

a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on each side of said first material so that said first material is located therebetween;

a third layer of a third fire-reistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween;

a fourth layer of a fourth fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on the sides of said third material distal from said second material so that said first, second and third material are located therebetween;

means for fastening said four layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistive qualities;

adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively;

said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said four layers therein a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of said four layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U- shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the four layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and

glass fiber insulation material being in said U-shaped channel.

'2. An adjustable modular partition comprising:

an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides;

a secondlayer of a second fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on each side of said first material so that said first material is located therebetween;

a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween;

a fourth layer on a fourth fire-resistant and sounddeadening material onthe sides of said third material distal from said second material so that said first, second and third material are located therebetween;

means for fastening said four layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistive qualities;

adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively;

said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said four layers therein a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of said four layers therein, and vertical variationmeans in, at least one of said U- shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the four layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and

the U-shaped channel including a pair of opposing side walls extending upwardly from a central base, a divider member being mounted in the U-shaped channel in spaced position with respect to the'base and connected to the interior surface of each of the pair of opposing side walls thereby forming a conduit between the divider and the base and the divider being mounted so as to form a vertical support for the four layers of the partition.

3. An adjustable modular partition comprising:

an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides;

a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on each side of said first material so that said first material is located therebetween;

a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween;

a fourth layer of a fourth fire'resistant and sounddeadening material on the sides of said third material distal from said second material so that said first, second and third material are located therebetween;

means for fastening said four layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistive qualities;

adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively;

said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said four layers therein a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of said four layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U- shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the four layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling;

each of the opposed vertical sides of the partition module containing a vertical recess adapted to receive a portion of a vertical spline member therein, another portion of each spline member being positioned in a corresponding recess in another partition module to thereby interconnect adjacent partition modules to form a modular wall partition system of desired length; and clip being mounted at each adjoining edge of a pair of partition modules, the clip including a longitudinal strip positioned along the portions of the adjoining modules adjacent to the adjoining edge, a perpendicular extension which extends between the abutting edges of the exposed layer of the mod ule, and a locking tab which is substantially perpendicular to the extension and engages with a mating interior surface on the partition to hold the strip in the desired location.

4. An adjustable modular partition comprising:

an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides;

a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on each side of said first layer so that said first layer is located therebetween;

a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween;

means for fastening said three layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities;

adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and a ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively;

said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said three layers therein, a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the three layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U- shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the three layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and

glass fiber insulation material being in said U-shaped channel.

5. An adjustable modular partition comprising:

an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides;

a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on each side of said first layer so that said first layer is located therebetween;

a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween;

means for fastening said three layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities;

adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and a ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively;

said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said three layers therein, a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the three layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U- shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the three layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and

the U-shaped channel including a pair of opposing side walls extending upwardly from a central base, a divider member being mounted in the U-shaped channel in spaced position with respect to the base and connected to the interior surface of each of the pair of opposing side walls thereby forming a conduit between the divider and the base and the divider being mounted so as to form a vertical support for the three layers of the partition.

6. An adjustable modular partition comprising:

an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides;

a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on each side of said first layer so that said first layer is located therebetween;

a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween;

means for fastening said three layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities;

adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and a ceiling, the

adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively;

said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said three layers therein, a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the three layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U- shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the three layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling;

each of the opposed vertical sides of the partition module containing a vertical recess adapted to receive a portion of a vertical spline member therein, another portion of each spline member being positioned in a corresponding recess in another partition module to thereby interconnect adjacent partition modules to form a modular wall partition system of desired length; and

a clip being mounted at each adjoining edge of a pair of partition modules, the clip including a longitudinal strip positioned along the portions of the adjoining modules adjacent to the adjoining edge, a perpendicular extension which extends between the abutting edges of the exposed layer of the module, and a locking tab which is substantially perpendicular to the extension and engages with a mating interior surface on the partition to hold the strip in the desired location.

7. An ajustable modular partition comprising:

an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides;

a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on each side of said first material so that said first material is located therebetween;

a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-dead ening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween;

a fourth layer of a fourth fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on the sides of said third material distal from said second material so that said first, second and third material are located therebetween;

means for fastening said four layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistive qualities;

adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively;

said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said four layers therein a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of said four layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U- shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the four layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and

glass fiber insulation material being in said W-shaped channel.

8. An adjustable modular partition comprising:

an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides;

a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on each side of said first layer so that said first layer is located therebetween;

a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween;

means for fastening said three layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities;

adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and a ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively;

said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said three layers therein, a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the three layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U- shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the three layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and

glass fiber insulation material being in said W-shaped channel.

9. An adjustable modular partition comprising:

an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides;

a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on each side of said first material so that said first material is located therebetween;

a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween;

a fourth layer of a fourth fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on the sides of said third material distal from said second material so that said first, second and third material are located therebetween;

means for fastening said four layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistive qualities;

adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively;

said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said four layers therein a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of said four layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U- shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the four layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and

insulation material being in at least one of said U- shaped and Wshaped channels.

10. An adjustable modular partition comprising:

an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides;

a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sounddeadening material on each side of said first layer so that said first layer is located therebetween;

a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween;

means for fastening said three layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities;

adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and a ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engage- 12 ment between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a lJ-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said three layers therein, a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the three layers therein. and vertical variation means in at least one of said U- shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the three layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and insulation material being in at least one of said U- shaped and W-shaped channels, 

1. An adjustable modular partition comprising: an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides; a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on each side of said first material so that said first material is located therebetween; a third layer of a third fire-reistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween; a fourth layer of a fourth fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said third material distal from said second material so that said first, second and third material are located therebetween; means for fastening said four layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistive qualities; adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said four layers therein a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of said four layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the four layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and glass fiber insulation material being in said U-shaped channel.
 2. An adjustable modular partition comprising: an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides; a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on each side of said first material so that said first material is located therebetween; a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween; a fourth layer on a fourth fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said third material distal from said second material so that said first, second and third material are located therebetween; means for fastening said four layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistive qualities; adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said four layers therein a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of said four layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the four layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and the U-shaped channel including a pair of opposing side walls extending upwardly from a central base, a divider member being mounted in the U-shaped channel in spaced position with respect to the base and connected to the interior surface of each of the pair of opposing side walls thereby forming a conduit between the divider and the base and the divider being mounted so as to form a vertical support for the four layers of the partition.
 3. An adjustable modular partition comprising: an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides; a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on each side of said first material so that said first material is located therebetween; a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween; a fourth layer of a fourth fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said third material distal from said second material so that said first, second and third material are located therebetween; means for fastening said four layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistive qualities; adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said four layers therein a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of said four layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the four layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; each of the opposed vertical sides of the partition module containing a vertical recess adapted to receive a portion of a vertical spline member therein, another portion of each spline member being positioned in a corresponding recess in another partition module to thereby interconnect adjacent partition modules to form a modular wall partition system of desired length; and a clip being mounted at each adjoining edge of a pair of partition modules, the clip including a longitudinal strip positioned along the portions of the adjoining modules adjacent to the adjoining edge, a perpendicular extension which extends between the abutting edges of the exposed layer of the module, and a locking tab which is substantially perpendicular to the extension and engages with a mating interior surface on the partition to hold the strip in the desired location.
 4. An adjustable modular partition comprising: an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides; a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on each side of said first layer so that said first layer is located therebetween; a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween; means for fastening said three layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities; adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and a ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said three layers therein, a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the three layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the three layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and glass fiber insulation material being in said U-shaped channel.
 5. An adjustable modular partition comprising: an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides; a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on each side of said first layer so that said first layer is located therebetween; a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween; means for fastening said three layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities; adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and a ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said three layers therein, a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the three layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the three layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and the U-shaped channel including a pair of opposing side walls extending upwardly from a central base, a divider member being mounted in the U-shaped channel in spaced position with respect to the base and connected to the interior surface of each of the pair of opposing side wallS thereby forming a conduit between the divider and the base and the divider being mounted so as to form a vertical support for the three layers of the partition.
 6. An adjustable modular partition comprising: an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides; a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on each side of said first layer so that said first layer is located therebetween; a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween; means for fastening said three layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities; adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and a ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said three layers therein, a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the three layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the three layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; each of the opposed vertical sides of the partition module containing a vertical recess adapted to receive a portion of a vertical spline member therein, another portion of each spline member being positioned in a corresponding recess in another partition module to thereby interconnect adjacent partition modules to form a modular wall partition system of desired length; and a clip being mounted at each adjoining edge of a pair of partition modules, the clip including a longitudinal strip positioned along the portions of the adjoining modules adjacent to the adjoining edge, a perpendicular extension which extends between the abutting edges of the exposed layer of the module, and a locking tab which is substantially perpendicular to the extension and engages with a mating interior surface on the partition to hold the strip in the desired location.
 7. An ajustable modular partition comprising: an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides; a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on each side of said first material so that said first material is located therebetween; a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween; a fourth layer of a fourth fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said third material distal from said second material so that said first, second and third material are located therebetween; means for fastening said four layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistive qualities; adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said four layers therein a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of said four layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the four layErs in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and glass fiber insulation material being in said W-shaped channel.
 8. An adjustable modular partition comprising: an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides; a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on each side of said first layer so that said first layer is located therebetween; a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween; means for fastening said three layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities; adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and a ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said three layers therein, a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the three layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the three layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and glass fiber insulation material being in said W-shaped channel.
 9. An adjustable modular partition comprising: an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides; a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on each side of said first material so that said first material is located therebetween; a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween; a fourth layer of a fourth fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said third material distal from said second material so that said first, second and third material are located therebetween; means for fastening said four layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistive qualities; adjustable means on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said four layers therein a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of said four layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the four layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and insulation material being in at least one of said U-shaped and W-shaped channels.
 10. An adjustable modular partition comprising: an inner layer of a first fire-resistant and sound-deadening material having opposing sides; a second layer of a second fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on each side of said first layer so that said first layer is located therebetween; a third layer of a third fire-resistant and sound-deadening material on the sides of said second material distal from said first material so that said first and second material are located therebetween; means for fastening said three layers together to form a partition module with high sound-deadening and fire-resistant qualities; adjustable meaNs on said partition module positioned so that when said partition module is substantially vertically located between a floor and a ceiling, the adjustable means can be shifted to provide engagement between the top and bottom of the partition module and the ceiling and floor respectively; said adjustable means including a U-shaped channel adapted to be mounted to the floor and to receive the bottom of said three layers therein, a W-shaped channel adapted to be fastened to a ceiling and to receive the top of the three layers therein, and vertical variation means in at least one of said U-shaped channel and W-shaped channel so as to cooperate therewith in retaining the three layers in fixed position with respect to the floor and ceiling; and insulation material being in at least one of said U-shaped and W-shaped channels. 